Toy circus



W. S. REED.

Toy Circus.

(No model.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM S. REED, OF LEOMINSTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

TOY CIRCUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 239,340, dated March 29, 1881.

Application filed March 1, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM S. REED, of Leominster, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Toy Oircuses, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, in which- Figure l is a perspective view of a knockdown toy representing a circus performance, constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the same with the toy figures and their supporting-rods removed and the base folded compactly under the central stand ready to be packed Fig. 3 is a vertical central section.

My present invention consists in a toy representation of a circus performance, the several parts being so constructed as to be capable of being readily set up and detached or knocked down,in orderthattheymaybepacked away in a small compass when not in use.

My invention also consists in a central stand or post having pivoted at its bottom two or more arms, which are swung out at various angles from each other in a radial direction from the stand or post, in which position they form a secure base for supportingthe same with the various figures attached thereto, the arms being folded or closed together when the toy is not used.

My invention also consists in two or more wheels or pulleys operated by a crank, (the shaft of which has its bearings on one of the arms forming the base,) for revolving the central platform with the figures of the horses and men supported thereon and upon rods projecting from its sides.

To enable others skilled in the art to understand and use my invention, I will proceed to describe the manner in which I have carried it out.

In the said drawings, A represents a central block, (preferably of circular form,) located in a horizontal plane and resting upon three radial horizontal arms, B, secured to its under side, two of these arms being pivoted thereto so as to admit of their being swung around in an arc of a circle, and the third arm being permanently secured to the under side of the block A, these arms forming a base for sup- I porting the block A, and a platform, 0, at the top of a post, D, rising from its center, and adapted to turn freely and independently thereof. J ust above the circular block A the post D is provided with a horizontal grooved wheel, E, which is rotated, in common with the post and its platform, by means of a band, belt, or cord, as, passing around it and a horizontal pulley, a, secured to an upright shaft, b, having its lower bearing in a step in the outer end of the stationary arm B, and its upper bearing in a cleat, c, secured to the upper side of this arm. The upright shaft b is turned by a crank, 07, which thus gives motion to the central post and its platform 0 with any figures that may be secured to its top-for instance, those of the ring-master G and clown H--and any figures, such as horses K, with their riders L, which may be affixed to the outer ends of circular rods, bars, or wires 6, which have their inner ends fitted into holes or sockets in the platform in such manner that the rods project out horizontally and radially therefrom. At the center of the platform is a vertical socket, h, for the reception of a pole or staff, '5, surmounted by a figure, k. The outer ends of the two pivoted arms E are provided with holes I, through which stakes, pins, or nails may be driven, to hold the apparatus in place while being used.

The toy circus need not be provided with any means for revolving the same; but I prefer to use some simple mechanical power such as I have shown and described, as the evolution of the figures gives them more of a lifelike appearance and affords additional source of amusement.

The toy may be rotated by clock-work, if desired.

When the toy performance is to be discontinued, the figures are removed from the outer ends of the rods 6, the rods 6 from the holes in the platform 0, the figure from the pole i, the latter from the socket h, and the two piv oted arms B of the base swung around and folded against the opposite sides of the stationary arm, in which position the several parts may be placed compactly in a boX for future use or for transportation.

The arms B may be made to slide in grooves or ways formed in the central block, A, Without departing from the spirit of my invention, the object of which is to render the toy capable of being set up and taken down in an expeditious manner.

I claim- 1. In a toy circus, two or more arms, B, forming a base for the block A, said arms being adapted to fold or close together, in combination with a central post, D, and suitable l1olders for exhibiting the figures, substantially as described.

2. In a toy circus, a revolving post, D, and platform 0, provided with means for holding the figures in place, in combination'with the arms B, forming a base and adapted to fold or close together, substantially as described.

3. In a toy circus, the wheel E, pivoted within the stationary central block, A, and provided with a post, D, and platform 0, having holes or sockets for the reception of rods supporting the figures, in combination, and connected by a belt, 0:, with the pulley a, turned by a crank, d, at the outer end of one of the arms B of the folding base, constructed and arranged to operate substantially as described.

Witness my hand this 7th day of June, 1880.

WILLIAM S. REED. In presence of JAMES BENNETT, D. ANN BENNETT. 

